Published: Monday, May 6, 2013 at 08:05 PM.

“Traces,” which opens tonight and runs through May 19 at Knight Theater in Charlotte, is a modern day circus in the guise of a post-apocalyptic rock show.

“Even though there is this dark underlying message, the show is really energetic and fun and there’s quite a bit of comedy throughout,” said performer Mason Ames in a phone interview from Los Angeles.

The performance combines high-risk acrobatics, music and dance with skateboarding and basketball. There isn’t a tradition storyline; rather, seven young individuals rely on movement to rebuild their dystopian surroundings.

“The overall theme is that time is running out and time is of the essence,” Ames said. “Our position in this whole mess of a situation is to leave our traces on everything possible, on the audience, the stage, each other.”

Performers often address the audience directly before performing acrobatic stunts set to the music of Radiohead, VAST and Photek .

“We don’t hide behind makeup or big costumes,” Ames said. “We’re ourselves onstage, hopefully sharing a moment and inspiring people to do what they like doing best.”

Because they’re onstage for 90 minutes, all of the performers have a chance to shine while pulling off a variety of tricks and spectacles. They’re all in their 20s, though “I don’t think we feel so young anymore,” said Ames, who’s been a part of the production for three years.

“Traces,” which opens tonight and runs through May 19 at Knight Theater in Charlotte, is a modern day circus in the guise of a post-apocalyptic rock show.

“Even though there is this dark underlying message, the show is really energetic and fun and there’s quite a bit of comedy throughout,” said performer Mason Ames in a phone interview from Los Angeles.

The performance combines high-risk acrobatics, music and dance with skateboarding and basketball. There isn’t a tradition storyline; rather, seven young individuals rely on movement to rebuild their dystopian surroundings.

“The overall theme is that time is running out and time is of the essence,” Ames said. “Our position in this whole mess of a situation is to leave our traces on everything possible, on the audience, the stage, each other.”

Performers often address the audience directly before performing acrobatic stunts set to the music of Radiohead, VAST and Photek .

“We don’t hide behind makeup or big costumes,” Ames said. “We’re ourselves onstage, hopefully sharing a moment and inspiring people to do what they like doing best.”

Because they’re onstage for 90 minutes, all of the performers have a chance to shine while pulling off a variety of tricks and spectacles. They’re all in their 20s, though “I don’t think we feel so young anymore,” said Ames, who’s been a part of the production for three years.

“It is demanding,” he said. “It takes a toll on your body. It’s incredibly awesome and powerful – you can’t do it when you’re 80 or 90 years old. We’re jumping around and throwing ourselves on the ground, so bumps and bruises are definitely part of the game.”

Expanding the cast from five to seven members in 2010 helped the both the show and the performers.

“It’s a little more full and versatile and allows us to do a few more shows a week,” he said. “We needed the extra bodies.”

Audiences will appreciate the energy, camaraderie and teamwork the performers demonstrate throughout “Traces.” The rawness and the humanity that shine through in each movement are also drawing points, Ames said.

“We are not putting a façade between us and the audience – we’re trying to break that down and become right there with them as a whole,” he said. “We’re tying to do more of an experience rather than a spectacle.”

Want to Go?

“Traces,” which combines acrobatics with street performance, dance and music, runs tonight through May 19 at Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts, 430 S. Tryon St., Charlotte. Tickets are $20-$104.50. For tickets or more information, visit www.blumenthalarts.org or call 704-372-1000.